Psalm 120:1-7 & Psalm 121:1-8
PREAMBLE: Psalms 120-136 make up the “Great Hallel” that were mostly sung as pilgrims travelled from throughout Israel up to the temple in Mount Zion for the three great annual festivals – (1) Unleavened Bread; (2) Pentecost / Harvest of Firstfruits; (3) Harvest Ingathering / Booths ((Ex.23:14-17).
Q.1. How was the Psalmist impacted by living amongst pagans? What is the lesson for us? – (Psalm 120:1-7)
This Psalm reflects the experience of the Israelites who dwelt amongst pagans. These pilgrims were constantly under pressure from liars and deceivers, and from those at war with them (see Ps.120:1-4). Jesus made it clear that His followers can expect this, when living in a hostile environment – 18 If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, `A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me (Jn. 15:18-21). The Psalmist could testify – In my trouble I cried to the Lord, and He answered me (Ps.120:1). He longed to move back amongst his own people in the familiar locations where he could be at peace (see Ps.120:5-7)
Q.2. Where did the Psalmist look for his protection? What qualities about God comforted him? – (Psalm 121:1-8)
The Psalmist may seem like a naturalist who looked for refuge in the hills (see Ps.121:1). However, as these pilgrims travelled from throughout the land of Israel, their eyes were on Mount Zion which was elevated seven hundred and eighty-five metres in the distance. This was the place where God had promised to dwell amongst His people (Ex.25:22). They sang – My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth (Ps.120:2). They could depend upon the Lord because He never needed to sleep or take a break – 3 He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not doze off 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep (Ps.121:3-4). He could be depended on to keep and protect His people from all evil (see Ps.121:7-8). With great joy, they ascended to the Temple in Jerusalem, in order to bring their worship and offerings of thanksgiving.
NOTE: These are great Scriptures to – Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you (Ps.122:6). God promised regarding His people – My help comes from the Lord … The Lord is your keeper … The Lord will protect you from all evil … The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever (Ps.121:2, 4-5, 7-8). This is a long-time guarantee to be Israel’s Protector.